Welcome back to another preseason before us. To get ready for the season its a great opportunity to predict which teams will be leading the SFL before week 1 has even started. I admit, some of my rankings is based on the offensive scoring that found Tennessee #1 last year. This is the first of a 3 part series starting with teams 1-10.
1. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland makes my number 1. Bookies around the world are disappointed by Clevelands lack of QB moves in the offseason. This year instead of shipping Philip Rivers, Cleveland traded for WR Peter Warrick and CB Tramon Williams, both will likely make appearances this next season, but a stacked roster, they?ll be filling 3/4 spots on the depth chart. And a nice draft snagging Calias Campbell in the first round, but not too many changes to their roster. The biggest change for Cleveland has been the landscape in the division. The evil Jon Kitna has left Cincy and the Browns can reap the division. I expect Rivers to continue progress with even more opportunity to run up the score without having to trade wins with the Bengals. There?s opportunity to take the division, probably now a little harder after the Steelers made a trade for a QB (this is gonna mess with my rankings, but I?m committed now) and storm the league as the top team in the SFL.
2. New York Jets
Jets are another consistent team in the offseaon. A nice move at SS acquiring Gibril Wilson, but not too many more changes. The Jets retained their identity on offense and include the additions of Justin Harper with a 2nd round pick. I expect Jake Plummer, Travis Wilson, Steve Smith and Michael Turner to lead their offense. Much like the Browns the Jets really have an opportunity with a changing division. Changes at QB for both Miami and Buffalo makes for a tasty division and guys like CB Charles Woodson is wetting his lips. Curious to see who the Jets might grab at LE, which is blank at the moment, but aside that, there aren?t too many holes on this team. They did well last year and I expect their success continue and a real opportunity for a high scoring roster.
3. New Orleans Saints
Last year?s Super Bowl Champions find themselves at number 3. The biggest reason the Saints are my 3rd top team is the consistency they had from last year into this. Aside a single punter and 3 rookie draft picks, the Saints are the same roster in a very similar opportunity with a year experience to get even better. This is a true accomplishment in roster building and should be noted that QB David Greene was a 2nd round pick. I expect the Saints to continue their talents from last year and dominate as a rushing offense with an elite defense.
4. St. Louis Rams
The trend continues for teams with consistent offseason. The Rams made very little changes to their roster with the exception of WR Travis Taylor to replace the retire Issac Bruce and CB Daylon McCutcheon to help add depth to the backfield. I have to put last season behind, and there?s very little chance the Rams find themselves with 7 season injuries, so I have to expect the Rams to be the top team in the NFC, but not without competition from the division. Like the Jets, like the Browns, they have elite positions and decent depth and super star talent (perhaps a weakness at kicker) and consistent game planning to put them as my number 4 team this year.
5. Dallas Cowboys
How about ?Dem Cowboys? The Cowboys found themselves in the playoffs after many seasons of being so close. This offseason was met with their next challenge of finding a replacement for now retired Kurt Warner, and after a big trade with the Jaguars Donovan McNabb is in Dallas and I think this is the move to keep their championship hopes alive. We saw a fantastic offense with Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson, so I have no concerns with their air attack. Their running game is a mystery as I am not too sure how Clifton Smith will do, but not exactly a total red flag for me. Their defense looks deadly, Jason Taylor, Brian Urlacher, Michael Strahan, Peter Boulware, LaRon Landry, Nate Clements. This might be the top defense in the league if I didn?t think the division was competitive enough to knock them down a peg or two. I do think its a team that?s strong enough to lead their division and likely a 10+ win team and that?s why the Cowboys are my number 5 team.
6. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were my top team last year and I continue to predict them to be a top competitor. Their offseason was met with some changes, players moving out for younger players, and others coming into Minnesota to be some rare talents like Brian Dawkins, Fred Taylor and Jamie Sharper. Consistent superstars like Dante Culpepper, Randy Moss, Yohance Scott and Chris Gamble will make the Vikings a tough team to beat, but unlike previous years, the NFC North looks to be the most competitive in years, which is the main reason they?re here at number 6 and not higher.
7. Houston Texans
Last season was a great example of the Texans turning the page on the David Carr experiment. The AFC South leaders find themselves at number 7 this year. Their offseason included a trade for CB Delta O?neal, HB Thomas Jones, and rookie draft gem Jaymar Johnson. The Texans roster looks similar to successful running teams like Saints and Chargers, HB LeDainian Tomlinson and Thomas Jones will have their work cut out for them. The split between the backs might not show up as leaders in top player stats, the Texans have the opportunity to be the top rushing team in the SFL. Its gonna be tough tho, the AFC South looks to be the top division in the league, but I expect the Texans to be top team to beat.
8. Oakland Raiders
After a hangover season last year that sound themselves outside the top ten, the Raiders return as the top team in the AFC West. With only one year removed from playing in the Super Bowl, the Raiders have a real chance to make it back. An offseason that includes trades for CB Antonie Winfield and HB Ricky Williams (now on his 5th team!) and rookie draft pick HB Matt Forte, the Raiders are a similar story with the rest of the top ten-ers, there aren?t too many changes in roster talent, and that includes retirements! I expect the Raiders to return to form this season, but watch out, the AFC West division had surprises last year and may surprise us again. The Raiders come in at number 8.
9. The Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are great at selling the sizzle of their team and this year I?m buying it. The Tennessee Titans with Drew Bledsoe led the league last year, so after the Eagles made a trade for the veteran QB combined with offensive leaders like Maurice Mann and Jon Olinger, looks to be a recipe for a top scoring offense and a tough team to beat. Notable trades: the eagles acquired HB Warrick Dunn, CB Anthony Henry, QB Drew Bledsoe, DT Corey Simon and draft pick rookie Gary Barnidge. As stated before the NFC East is gonna be competitive and might not be enough to beat the Cowboys, I do expect the Eagles to make an impact in the power rankings and I?m putting them at number 9.
10. New England Patriots
In a similar boat like the Vikings and Rams the Patriots were recipients of bad luck. This year I expect they rebound. A competitive GM, a consistent roster, and changes in the division makes for a promising Patriots team. Biggest trades include replacements MLB Barrett Ruud and LB Demorrio Williams after losing Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel. I expect their offense will be just as tight with Musa Smith leading rushers and the combination of Clarence Moore and Bobby Wade leading in targets. Unlike the previous teams above, the Patriots may find themselves with growing pains. I do think they will be affected by retirees, but Travis is a good GM im sure he?s rounded his team that they?ll stay competitive. The Patriots find themselves at number 10 on my list.
So that?s the top ten. We all know rankings are kinda wacky so i look forward to seeing which team was left off my list that surprises us all. I'm curious which teams you may have on your radar in the top ten that I left out. Look out for more as I cover teams ranked 11-20 next.
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